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A brave loyal boy.--Rev. John Summers, a home missionary in Benton County, Iowa, has three sons, all of whom have been in the army of the country. One is still in the service, one has been honorably discharged, and the third, a boy less than eighteen years of age, was mortally wounded at the battle of Champion Hill. His funeral sermon was preached by Elder King. An immense audience was present. The following is a copy of the last letter of the dying boy. It exhibits most remarkable coolness, and was written at his own dictation:

battle-ground on Railroad, East of black River, Miss., May 17, 1863.
Dear parents, brothers, and sisters: This is the last letter you will receive from me. I am mortally wounded in the thigh, and mortification has already commenced. I was wounded in two places, and at the same time. As I said, one ball entered my right thigh, glancing upward, shivering the bone of my hip, making it impossible to save my life by amputation. The other ball entered just above my ankle, in the same leg. I suppose you are anxious to know what my feelings are with the prospect of death before me. I am resigned, and feel that my Heavenly Father sustains me in this trying hour.

While lying on the battle-ground and the enemy were charging over me, I committed myself into the hands of God, and felt that I was accepted. Don't mourn for me, I am going to a better land. I feel that I can trust Christ as my Saviour. In the hour of death my love for you all seems to be stronger than when in health.

I received your last letter to-day, also one from Lucy and Andy. Hoping you will be sustained in this affliction, I remain your affectionate and dying son and brother,


Van Nostrand. New York, New York. 1862.

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